The 2024 Mosaic Awards Highlights Inclusivity And Belonging In Advertising 

Media and advertising industry leaders gathered in New York City on September 26 for the American Advertising Federation’s (AAF) 2024 Mosaic Awards, presented by SiriusXM. Hosted by Crissle West, cultural commentator and co-host of “The Read” podcast, the event celebrated diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in the advertising industry. The Mosaic Awards recognize individuals and companies that champion these values through creative work, advocacy, and organizational initiatives.

This year’s theme, “Where Creativity Thrives,” reflected the evening’s focus on how inclusive advertising fosters creative innovation. Honorees included trailblazers such as Jeff Marshall of Marshall Media, Aaron Walton of Walton Isaacson, and Josh Loebner, PhD, of VML, alongside campaigns led by leading brands like Michelob Ultra, 23andMe, and Mastercard.

Crissle West highlighted the AAF’s focus on elevating marginalized communities. “Seeing these leaders discuss their work and its impact on underrepresented identities and witnessing how tonight’s honorees bring those voices forward, I’m truly honored to be a part of this celebration,” she said.

One of the evening’s highlights was the debut of the new “Agency of the Year” award. This accolade acknowledges a minority-owned agency that is committed to promoting inclusivity in both creative work and workplace culture. Walton Isaacson was presented with this esteemed award in recognition of its continued efforts to integrate cultural perspectives into its advertising campaigns.

Aaron Walton, the CEO of Walton Isaacson, highlighted the significance of the inaugural award and its alignment with the agency’s mission. “Today is a celebration of the agency and the individuals who have truly put in the work,” Walton expressed. He stressed the importance of acknowledging diverse voices throughout the advertising industry, both in front of and behind the camera.

His passion for the industry shone through as he discussed the advancements and obstacles on the horizon. “It’s not just a matter of increasing the representation of people of color; it’s also about recruiting more women and LGBTQ+ professionals and ensuring diversity across all levels,” he emphasized. The AAF is taking the lead in ensuring that these voices are given the platform they deserve.”

This year’s Mosaic Awards also introduced the Mosaic Center Guardian Award, designed to recognize individuals who actively champion the Mosaic Center’s mission of promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion. The inaugural recipient, Jeff Marshall, Principal of Marshall Media, was honored for his exceptional leadership in creating opportunities for underrepresented students. The initiatives have resulted in the development of fellowships that offer hands-on industry experience to students from marginalized backgrounds. During the award acceptance, he shared an inspiring message: “Don’t just open the door—pull someone through and encourage them to do the same.”

The event also celebrated groundbreaking campaigns that highlight the power of inclusive storytelling. Chicago-based agency FCB won recognition for its work on the Digital Public Library of America’s “Banned Book Club” campaign. Meanwhile, The Ad Council received accolades for its mental health PSA “Check In On Your Friends,” which features rapper Megan Thee Stallion and reminds viewers that “it’s okay to not be okay.”

Dentsu won the “Excellence in Supplier Diversity” award for its original series “More Than That with Gia Peppers.” Developed in collaboration with brand sponsors General Motors, Procter & Gamble, Kroger, and Mastercard, the campaign centers Black voices, experiences, and Black-owned businesses. Featuring original episodes distributed across Black-owned radio stations and podcast platforms, More Than That has had a lasting impact over three seasons, creating conversations around key cultural moments like Juneteenth and Pride.

Ogilvy was honored for the company’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of diverse advertising professionals through their Ogilvy School of Creativity (OSC). The program provides high school students with real-world experience and education in advertising, making the industry more accessible to underrepresented youth.

Additional honorees included Droga5, Omnicom Health Group, and VML, whose work continues to shape the industry’s approach to DEI. Each award emphasized the necessity of ongoing access and exposure for marginalized groups, challenging the advertising world to push boundaries and foster a more inclusive society.

As the night closed, the 2024 Mosaic Awards left attendees with a clear takeaway: DEI in advertising is not just a goal but a responsibility. The work of these honorees shows that when diverse perspectives are not only included but celebrated, creativity flourishes, and the industry moves closer to a more equitable future.